ATLANTA — On Dec. 29, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper introduced that as of Dec. 27, 2023, Georgia has achieved free standing for Extremely Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry following a November outbreak at a business raised-for-release waterfowl facility in Southwest Georgia. As listed with the World Group for Animal Well being (WOAH, previously OIE), this designation permits exports and worldwide commerce for Georgia poultry merchandise to be restored.
“Following the detection of HPAI in a business raised-for-release waterfowl flock in Southwest Georgia, our State Agricultural Response Staff (SART) instantly deployed to the affected premises the place they labored by means of the Thanksgiving vacation to efficiently comprise the outbreak and mitigate any additional unfold,” Harper stated. “I’m extremely pleased with their work to comprise the outbreak, defending our poultry business and the greater than 80,000 Georgians it employs. Due to our SART Staff’s work, Georgia’s ‘HPAI-Free’ standing in poultry has been restored, and exports of Georgia Grown poultry can resume as regular.”
Flock homeowners ought to observe {that a} HPAI-free standing in poultry is NOT an “all clear” or a sign that the danger of the illness is over in Georgia or america. Homeowners of all flocks, giant and small, want to stay vigilant in biosecurity and stop the virus’s introduction.
“We’re grateful that Georgia has been declared HPAI-freedom in poultry. Whereas the danger of HPAI persists, we’re optimistic that with conscientious flock homeowners, we’ll stay in HPAI free in poultry,” stated Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle. “Persevering with vigilance is vital — reduce contact between wild birds and poultry, comply with all biosecurity protocols, and keep watchful over your flocks.”
The influenza virus continues to be very lively all through components of america. HPAI has been recognized on 1050 premises in 47 states since February 2022, with new circumstances as just lately as late December. Wild birds contaminated with HPAI have been discovered from coast to coast in varied species, together with waterfowl (geese, geese, gulls, and many others.), raptors (vultures and eagles), in addition to different widespread species (wild turkey), and has additionally been detected in some wild mammals (bear, mountain lion, and many others.)
In Georgia, HPAI was confirmed in November 2023 in a business raised-for-release waterfowl operation situated in Sumter County. This was the primary affirmation of HPAI in a business waterfowl flock within the state. All management areas and surveillance zones have been launched.
Below WOAH pointers, HPAI-free standing in poultry will be declared for a state or area after the illness has been eradicated on all affected farms and no new infections are detected throughout a minimal ready interval of 28 days.
Avian influenza is a viral illness of poultry. It may be of low pathogenicity (LPAI), inflicting gentle illness, or excessive pathogenicity (HPAI), inflicting extreme sickness and loss of life. The virus has completely different strains, for instance, H1N1 or H7N3. Some LPAI viruses can mutate and grow to be HPAI viruses. Waterfowl and different wild birds contribute to the unfold of avian influenza.
· Meals Security: Avian influenza doesn’t pose a danger to the meals provide. The chance of human an infection with avian influenza may be very low.
· Indicators of HPAI: Indicators embody sudden loss of life with out scientific indicators; lack of vitality or urge for food; decreased egg manufacturing; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of the pinnacle, eyelids, comb, hocks, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, lack of coordination, and diarrhea.
· Reporting Illness: Promptly report any statement of home or wild birds with the indicators as described above.
· Home birds: In Georgia, name the AI Hotline at 770-766-6850. Testing is free by means of the Georgia Poultry Lab, https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
· Wild birds: In Georgia, report lifeless or sick bald eagles or vultures when seen in unusually excessive numbers in a single location to the Georgia Division of Pure Sources (DNR) at 478-994-1438.
For extra details about HPAI, go to www.aphis.usda.gov.
